| Where do I get cultural knowledge?
Once
students begin to understand the importance of culture on health
outcomes, they often want specific information regarding different
cultures.
Several sources have compiled "culture profiles" to
demonstrate the wide range of cultural practices, including health
beliefs and customs (Cross Cultural Health Care Program, 2004;
Gainer, 2003). The inherent danger in studying specific cultural
information is stereotyping all
persons from a particular culture.
It is unrealistic to expect nursing school to provide all the
information about all racial/ethnic groups that you will need
in your career. There are ? racial/ethnic groups in the United
States today. The culturally competent nurse participates
in continuing education/professional development programs to
increase
knowledge about minority health issues.
Be careful as you learn about
new cultures. Use reliable sources for information. Remember,
people are unique and cultural profiles may or may not fit,
but may be useful as general guidelines or for clarification
about
specific customs. The single best source for information about
important health beliefs and customs is the patient. Don't
be afraid to ask if there are cultural practices
that need
to
be incorporated into the plan of care.
Click on the links below for specific information related
to cultural variations that nurses may encounter in the patient
care setting. Answer the following questions on the form below:
If you are a member of one of the groups listed, how well does
the
profile "fit" you
or your family? Would you want a nurse basing his or her opinion
of you
on
this training material?
Complete the Religious
Beliefs matching exercise then answer
the questions below.
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